Improving math between first and second round

Question

Hi - I've found in the interviews I've had (MBB) I'm slow on the maths, in particular doing division with non-obvious and non-integers (eg. 103.4 / 48.3). I'm generally fine with all the other obvious functions.

Any tips for division? I want to work on this before my second round (to which I've been invited).

Answer 1

Hi there,

First of all, you're not going to have to divide 103.4 by 48.3…that's absurd! My first tip is to understand the “limit” of what will be asked in a regular case…you'll want to prepare for that.

Now, in terms of how to improve your math, I'd recommend the following:

100% Recommend Rocket Blocks
Online "Drills": https://www.preplounge.com/en/mental-math
Math sheets (print these and do them on paper): Google Math Drills sheets
In addition to that, you can ask other PrepLoungers to case you on math-heavy cases. You can also search for those case types here and work through them yourself.

Some key formulas/concepts:

Breakeven
NPV (with + without growth, perpituity + 1-2 years from now)
% Change
ROI
Margin
Markup
Inventory turnover

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Some great answers from a variety of angles have already been asked. Check these out!

Mental Math

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mental-math-help-7962

Conceptual/Contextual Math

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/materials-for-practicing-conceptual-case-math-8016

Key Math Equations

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/math-equations-their-use-7934

Answer 2

Hello!

Congrats on making it to 2nd round!

I don´t think you will see yourself many occasions doing math like the one that you mentioned in your question tbh.

In any case, given that getting good at math will always be helpful for recruting in general, have you seen the PrepL tool? https://www.preplounge.com/en/mental-math

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 3

You should have a look into this useful preplounge tool: https://www.preplounge.com/en/mental-math

Just be aware that you would usually do a quick estimative for the non-obvious/non-integers, and not a exact calulation.

Answer 4

Congrats on getting to the 2nd round!

There's nothing that will replace training and practicing math.

As a rule of thumb, I'd recommend you to:

Look into GMAT resources for math training (or similar - e.g., McKinsey PST training tests). There is a number of free and paid books/tests/tools that you can practice with to improve on this one.
Check out math training on YouTube - just search for the topic you need to get more proficiency on!

Also, remember that there's not always a need to calculate very accurate numbers during the case. You should get comfortable with rounding them - you can do it as long as the accuracy of the final result will be sufficient to justify your recommendation.

Hope it helps!